Hot Peppers Pep Up North Florida Growers'
Bottom Lines

Growing hot peppers organically in Florida is a viable option
for growers because insect pests are not a significant threat to hot peppers
there, according to findings from an Agricultural Research Service scientist and
her collaborators.

The study compared the growth of hot peppers in two different
systems. In one, peppers were grown using organic soil nutrients, including
poultry manure and mushroom compost. In the other, peppers were grown with
chemical fertilizer and conventional pesticides.

While bell peppers are the second most important vegetable crop
in Florida, many producers also have significant acreage devoted to hot
peppers.

There was no difference found in the number of peppers harvested
from either organic or chemical fertilizer plots in either variety.

Populations of plant insect pests and their beneficial natural
enemies were also studied. Populations of several insect pests, including
whiteflies, aphids and thrips, were very low during the growing season,
probably due to the presence of their natural enemies, ladybugs and hover
flies.

In north Florida, small growers are finding a viable niche
market producing hot peppers. Results show hot peppers may be a good market for
growers there because they seem to require little maintenance.